A Zachary man is behind bars and faces second-degree battery and hit-and-run charges after the severe beating of a 59-year-old cancer patient in Ascension Parish Sunday night. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_________________________________________________

A state Legislative Auditor’s report to lawmakers says – like it or not – we need higher gas taxes for roads and bridges…and high fees for electric vehicles too. Jeff Palermo explains.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

_________________________________________________

He leads in polls by a huge margin, but Senator John Kennedy is taking fire for not debating his Democrat challengers. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

________________________________________________

The suspect from Sunday’s violent road rage incident in Ascension Parish is in custody. Sheriff Bobby Webre says the victim 59-year-old Scott Gray, who has stage IV cancer was severely beaten and 37-year-old Bryan Cage of Zachary turned himself in after the incident made headlines.

Cut 4 (09)  “…but doing ok.”

Webre says this case involved teamwork from law enforcement in Ascension, Livingston, and East Baton Rouge parishes and he credits the community for their tips that led to Cage’s arrest. Webre says so far Cage is charged with second-degree battery and hit and run which is a felony. Webre says this was not Cage’s first run-in with the law.

Cut 5 (12) “…looks like.”

Webre says there could be more charges added and Cage might not be the only one facing prosecution.

Cut 6 (12)  “…ongoing investigation.” 

In addition to cancer, Gray lost a leg from a motorcycle accident some 20 years ago.

_______________________________________________

In a report to state lawmakers, the Legislative Auditor’s Office says Louisiana needs to consider higher road usage fees if it wants to stay ahead of the rising cost of maintaining roads and bridges. Gina Brown is a Performance Audit Manager with the Legislative Auditor. She says the state could lose well over $500-million in road use fees and gasoline taxes for roads over the next ten years…:

Cut 7 (13) “…are using less gas.”

Brown says it’s projected that around one-third of all vehicles in Louisiana will be electric within 10 years. That will mean less gas bought at the pump and less gasoline roads tax. Last year the state imposed a road usage fee of $110 yearly for owners of all-electric cars and $60 for EV hybrid vehicles. Brown says that’s not enough…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…96 dollars a year.”

Brown says the real problem with the EV road uses taxes is they are paid voluntarily when filing state income tax, and many will NOT report or pay.

Motorists driving regular gas powered vehicles pay their share by way of 20-cents per gallon taxed at the pump. That hasn’t been increased in over 20 years. Brown says that also needs to be raised to help meet the $15-billion backlog in road and bridge projects statewide. She says other states, like Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Arkansas, index their fuels tax to inflation…:

Cut 9 (12)  “…mean for Louisiana.”

_________________________________________________

Incumbent U.S. Senator John Kennedy is taking fire from critics and some media outlets for not committing to debate his challengers in that race. During an interview on 710 AM KEEL in Shreveport, Kennedy was asked directly if he was dodging debates. He says not all debates are ones worth doing…:

Cut 10 (11) “…an axe to grind.” 

Kennedy has been loudly criticized by Democrat challengers Luke Mixon and Gary Chambers for not agreeing to a debate or candidates forum. With four weeks until the election, polls show Kennedy with well over 50-percent. Mixon 16-percent and Chambers 8-percent. He says the Baton Rouge Advocate invited him to an event this Monday on pretty short notice…:

Cut  11 (11)  “…people coming out.”

The KEEL hosts pointed out debates are often hosted by partisan groups that hope Kennedy will make some gaffe that can be exploited. Kennedy says he has spent as much time as possible simply getting around Louisiana, to talk directly with voters before the election and it’s taken some toll on him…:

Cut 12 (07) “…I couldn’t talk.” 

_________________________________________________

In Lake Charles, Judge Clayton Davis formally sentenced Kevin Daigle to death for the 2015 fatal shooting of Louisiana State Police trooper Steven Vincent. Vincent encountered what he thought was a stranded motorist on a rural road when Daigle fatally shot him in the face.

Cut 13 (11) “…system prevails.”

There has only been one death sentence carried out in Louisiana since 2002, and Vincent expects a lengthy appeal process to delay the execution of the sentence. He says he hopes to see the justice system run its course…

Cut 14 (09)  “…would happen.”

Seven years since the shooting, Chief Vincent highlights the importance of remembering the victims of violent crimes and their families…

Cut 15 (12)  “…be forgotten.”

_________________________________________________

LSU will host seventh-ranked Ole Miss for a chance to take control of the SEC West tomorrow. The Tigers suffered a 40-13 loss to eighth-ranked Tennessee in Tiger stadium just two weeks ago, but wide receiver Kayshon Boutte says the team needs to learn from their last game and take advantage of the opportunity…

Cut 16 (09)  “…weeks ago.” 

Boutte was a preseason All-American and projected first-round pick in the NFL draft but got off to a slow start to the season in Coach Brian Kelly’s new system. He says it’s taken time for him and first-year transfer quarterback Jayden Daniels to build chemistry with one another, but it looks like the two are finally getting on the same page…

Cut 17 (12) “…everything connecting.” 

Kickoff in Death Valley is at 2:30 tomorrow.

_____________________________________________________

The Ragin’ Cajuns will host Arkansas St this weekend as they look to continue their momentum from the 23-13 midweek win against Marshall last week. The Red Wolves sit two spots behind the Cajuns in the race for the Sun-Belt West, but Head Coach Michael Desormeaux says they’re a better team than the record shows…

Cut 18 (19) “…ready for that.” 

The Ragin’ Cajuns take the home field at 4:00 tomorrow.

________________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech looks to bounce back from a 47-27 defeat at the hands of North Texas last weekend in which they allowed 475 rushing yards to the Mean Green. They’ll host the 3-3 Rice Owls in what Head Coach Sonny Cumbie described as an important opportunity for the Bulldogs…

Cut 19 (13) “…at home”

The Bulldogs are in the middle of the pack in Conference USA with a 2-4 record. The difference maker for the team this season looks to be the support of the home crowd. LA Tech is winless on the road this season but undefeated at home. Coach Cumbie says he’s looking forward to getting back in front of the home crowd, but this is something the team needs to address if they want to succeed down the stretch…

Cut 20 (14) “…four quarters.”

Kickoff this Saturday is at 2:00

Kevin Daigle has been formally sentenced to death for the 2015 fatal shooting of Louisiana state trooper Steven Vincent. There has only been one death sentence carried out in Louisiana since 2002, and the victim’s brother, Iowa (eye-oh-way) Police Chief Keith Vincent, says he expects a lengthy appeal process to delay the execution and he hopes to see the justice system run its course…

Cut 14 (10)  “…would happen.”

Governor Edwards says Vidalia, in Concordia Parish, is set to get a huge chunk of federal money for the Syrah Technologies electric vehicle battery plant there. It’s the only large-scale plant doing this outside of China. The Governor says we’re too dependent on international commerce…:

Cut 11 (08)  “…as possible.”

Syrah will get $220-million for a facility expansion and more jobs.

If you haven’t claimed your Child Tax Credit from the American Rescue Plan that provided up to $3,600 per child for the 2021 tax year, a deadline is approaching.  Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moeller says the November 15^th deadline applies to a quick filing tool at GetCTC-dot-org.

Cut 6 (08)  “…takes 15 minutes.” 

Moeller says it’s also important for individuals who didn’t make enough income or didn’t work in 2021 to file because they could be eligible if they have children.

Another name has surfaced as a possible candidate for governor next year and it’s Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson. Jeremy Alford at La-Politics-dot-com was the first to report and we asked Wilson his thoughts about whether he’ll look to replace his current boss, Governor John Bel Edwards

Cut 3 (06) “…be a candidate” 

Kevin Daigle has been formally sentenced to death for the 2015 fatal shooting of Louisiana state trooper Steven Vincent. The victim’s brother, Iowa Police Chief Keith Vincent, says he is glad to see justice prevail after all this time…

Cut 13 (12) “…system prevails.”

November 15^th is the deadline to use the simplified filing of GetCTC-dot-org for the 2021 expanded Child Tax credit of up to $36-hundred per child. The CTC has been around for some time, but Louisiana budget Project executive director Jan Moeller says most years you have to earn a certain amount to claim it, but for 2021…

Cut 8 (11)  “…very long.”

Governor John Bel Edwards applauds federal Department of Energy funds coming Louisiana’s way to help bolster the green vehicle industry here. He says $100-million will go to Koura chemical in St. Gabriel to make a key lithium battery component…:

Cut 10 (09) “…is very important.” 

$220-million will go to expanding the Syrah Tech plant in Vidalia, which makes batteries for Tesla and other EV makers.

Pelicans forward Zion Williamson had an impressive return to the NBA last night with 25 points in his first game in 17 months as New Orleans defeated Brooklyn to tip off a new season. Williamson scored most of his points inside the paint and also had nine rebounds. The former first-round pick says received lots of encouragement…

Cut 14 (11)  “…stay high” 

If you haven’t claimed your Child Tax Credit from the American Rescue Plan that provided up to $3,600 per child for the 2021 tax year, a deadline is approaching.  Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moeller says the November 15^th deadline applies to a quick filing tool at GetCTC-dot-org.

Cut 6 (08)  “…takes 15 minutes.” 

Moeller says it’s also important for individuals who didn’t make enough income or didn’t work in 2021 to file because they are eligible if they have children.

Two Louisiana companies have been awarded $320 million in US Department of Energy funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Governor Edwards says Syrah Technologies in Vidalia will receive $220 million to expand production to manufacture components for batteries to power electric vehicles.

Cut 9 (06)  “…announcement.”

And $100 million has been awarded to Koura in St. Gabriel.

Zion Williamson’s long-waited return to the NBA went very well as the Pelicans star scored 25 points in his first game in 17 months. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

And the Saints play Arizona tonight in Glendale. Kickoff is at 7:15 on Amazon Prime.

The first group of juvenile inmates from the Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish has been moved to Angola state prison. A bus carrying around ten juveniles was seen on the interstate before 6 this morning. More inmates will be moved in and kept in facilities separate from the adult population.

Experts say we’ve entered a new era in political ads, thanks to an ad running in the Shreveport mayor’s race…and it may have implications far beyond one part of the state. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

The first cold snap of the season is here. State Climatologist Barry Keim predicts the northern half of the state will see the season’s first freeze tomorrow morning. He says to expect lows tonight in the thirties across almost everywhere except New Orleans and the coast. Keim is still concerned with the drought, though. He says the little bit of rain we had last week didn’t help…:

Cut 5 (09) “…is suffering.” 

Temperatures are falling and so are gasoline prices…but just a small amount. The statewide average cost of regular gas is $3.39 today. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says that’s because oil has dipped to $82 a barrel; about ten bucks less than two weeks ago. He says gasoline prices may be lower than expected in the winter weeks ahead because of that…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…the holidays.”

The Louisiana Humane Society is raising concerns that the state does not regulate breeders. In addition to animal safety, H-S-L President Jeff Dorson says Louisiana is missing out on a revenue stream to fund the breeder oversite. He says the state of Georgia collects $800 thousand annually from licenses and penalties and Louisiana should do the same.

Cut  11 (12)  “…in this state.”

Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says the average price for a gallon of regular gas in the Bayou State today is $3.39. But he says it’s good news, bad news situation. Prices are going down due to a drop in crude oil prices they’ve dropped to $82 a barrel which is about $10 down from a couple of weeks ago.

Cut 7 (12) “…previously”

It’s National Teen Driver Safety Week and Law officials want parents to educate their teens on roadway guidelines and safety tips Whitney Thomas has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

Bogalusa authorities have identified the teenager who was fatally shot outside of the high school’s football stadium during their homecoming game against Jewel Sumner last Friday. Police Chief Kendall Bullen says Jerry Smith was known to be involved in criminal activity….

Cut 14 (11)  “…before this shooting.”
Bullen says Smith was involved in the gunfight and they are seeking three persons of interest.

President of the Louisiana Humane Society Jeff Dorson says animal shelters are overcrowded and the state has one of the lowest spay and neuter rates in the country. And he says unregulated breeders only compound the issue with pets that have health issues being abandoned due to unregulated breeding.

Cut 12 (10) “…Wild West.” 

Last year 82 Louisiana drivers ages 15 to 19 were involved in fatal crashes and almost 73-hundred were involved in injury crashes. State Police spokesperson Ross Brennan says it’s a good time for parents to talk to their teens about good driving habits.

Cut 9 (13)  “…Five am.”

Louisiana gets hit with its first cold snap tonight as the first freeze of the fall hits the Bayou State as low temperatures are expected to get into the lows 30 and upper 20s are possible in north Louisiana. National Weather Service Forecaster Phil Grigsby says this mid-October chill is rare and records could fall…

Cut 4 (05)  “…for us.”

The state fire marshal’s office also reminds you to follow proper safety precautions when using a space heater.

It’s National Teen Driver Safety Week and Law officials want parents to educate their teens on roadway guidelines and safety tips Whitney Thomas has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

_________________________________________________

Sadly, in Louisiana, there’s little to no oversite of animal breeders and animal advocates want that to change. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_________________________________________________

A fatal shooting at Bogalusa High’s Homecoming game last Friday has city leaders concerned about the uptick in violence and murder there. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

________________________________________________

Louisiana gets hit with its first cold snap tonight as the first freeze of the fall hits the Bayou State as low temperatures are expected to get into the lows and upper 20s are possible in north Louisiana. National Weather Service Forecaster Phil Grigsby says this mid-October chill is rare and records could fall…

Cut 4 (05)  “…for us.”

The state fire marshal is concerned about the danger of house fires from space heaters, especially since it’s the first cold night in a while. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says space heaters should not be left unattended.

Cut 5 (06) “…turned off.”

Rodrigue says you should extinguish flames in fireplaces if you leave or go to sleep, plus blow out candles or any other open flames. But says the worst way to heat your home is with an oven.

LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee says warm temperatures will return for the weekend…

Cut 6 (11)  “…mid-40s.” 

__________________________________________________

Louisiana State Police, The Highway Safety Commission, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are encouraging parents to educate their teens about safe driving habits, and how to make conscious decisions on the road.  Last year 82 Louisiana drivers ages 15 to 19 were involved in fatal crashes while 7,296 were involved in injury crashes.

LSP spokesperson Ross Brennan says alcohol consumption is just a piece of the problem.

Cut 7 (11) “…ride home.”

Driving with distractions can delay the response needed to notice or avoid an accident coming. Brennan says teens lose focus on the road in many ways.

Cut 8 (12)  “…also illegal.”

The odds of a teen driver engaging in risky behaviors triples when multiple passengers are in the same vehicle. Brennan says this week is important for parents to lay out the GDL guidelines.

Cut 9 (13)  “…Five am.”

For more information about National Teen Driver Safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov-saftey/teen-driving.

_________________________________________________

If you’ve ever unknowingly purchased a pet from a backyard breeder only to realize the newest member of your family has major health issues you’ve most likely found out the hard way, there is little to no regulation in Louisiana. President of the Louisiana Humane Society Jeff Dorson says believe it or not…

Cut 10 (10) “…require anything. 

Dorson says while in some urban areas the parish might require a local business license but there are no inspections nor little to any oversite when it comes to breeders. State Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says in Louisiana oversite falls under the USDA.

In addition to animal safety, Dorson says Louisiana is missing out on a revenue stream to fund the breeder oversite. He says the state of Georgia collects $800 thousand annually from licenses and penalties and Louisiana could be doing the same.

Cut  11 (12)  “…in this state.”

In addition to Louisiana animal shelters being overwhelmed due to a low spay and neuter rate, Dorson says unregulated breeders only compound the issue with pets that have health issues being abandoned due to unregulated breeding.

Cut 12 (10) “…Wild West.” 

Dorson encourages concerned residents to contact their state legislature to sponsor legislation for state oversite of pet breeders.

_____________________________________________

Officials in Bogalusa, in Washington Parish, are concerned with the recent increase in violence in their small town. Last Friday night a gunfight erupted outside Bogalusa High School’s Homecoming game; forcing the game to be ended early. Bogalusa Police Chief Kendall Bullen says a 15-year-old triggerman was shot and killed, and he expects others to be arrested soon…:

Cut 13 (11) “…the next few days.”

The Bogalusa Lumberjacks were hosting Jewel Sumner High of Kentwood for Homecoming when a group of at least three youths began shooting at each other outside the stadium. The shot caused a panic which ended the game. Chief Bullen says, because he is a minor, the teen shot will not be identified but was known to be involved in criminal activity…:.

Cut 14 (11)  “…before this shooting.”

Bogalusa has seen an alarming increase in crime. There have been 64 shootings so far this year, and 8 homicides. Mayor Wendy Perrette fears her community is being spoiled by what she calls “brazen”, lawless behavior at what should have been a joyous event…:

Cut 15 (11)  “…ruin it for us all.”

Chief Bullen says arrests in last Friday’s shooting are imminent. Bogalusa High was ahead 46-27 when the game was called. They get credit for the win.

______________________________________________

LSU celebrates a 35-45 victory over SEC East rival Florida thanks to an inspired performance from the offense. Quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte were two standouts from the star-studded attack. Coach Brian Kelly says this game was a big step for the duo and the Tiger’s offense…

Cut 16 (12)  “…made plays” 

LSU will host seventh-ranked Ole Miss this Saturday just two weeks after Tennessee silenced the home crowd. Even with the disappointing loss, Coach Kelly says the team learned from their first top-ten opponent and is more prepared for the upcoming challenge this time around…

Cut 17 (16) “…football team.” 

The Rebels now sit alone atop the west after Alabama’s loss to Tennessee giving LSU the opportunity to tie for first, but Kelly still thinks it’s too early to focus on the long-term implications of the game…

Cut 18 (20) “…what that means” 

Kickoff in Death Valley is at 2:30 on Saturday

________________________________________________________

The Saints suffered yet another disappointing defeat to the Bengals after leading almost the entire game. New Orleans was again without many star players including their entire starting receiving corps and starting quarterback Jameis Winston. Now with a short week ahead of their Thursday night matchup in Arizona and quarterback Andy Dalton making his first appearance on the injury report Coach Dennis Allen says it’s just an unfortunate reality of the game…

Cut 19 (17) “…win a game.”

Coach Allen pointed out the team is still only one game out of the race for the NFC South. Battling through injuries to key players and the growing pains of a new coaching staff, the saints have still found themselves in positions to win, so the message from Allen is one of resilience and determination…

Cut 20 (22) “ …the hump.” 

The 2-4 Saints will have their next opportunity to get over that hump Thursday against the Cardinals

______________________________________________________

Alexandria Police are seeking the suspect in a fatal hit & run Saturday morning. . Alexandria Police spokesman Lane Windham says 40-year-old Don Lair (Lar), Jr. was struck as he walked across a street at about 3:30 AM Saturday…:

Cut 12 (12) “…waited on police.”

The vehicle that initially hit Lair was a white or silver minivan or smaller SUV. APD asks that driver to turn him or herself in, or for anyone with information on Lair’s death to contact them.

A strong cold front is moving through Louisiana and the cooldown is already beginning in north Louisiana. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service in Shreveport expects temperatures along I-20 to be 15 to 20 degrees below normal tonight, with the possibility of a freeze early Wednesday in North Louisiana…and near freezing temperature further south…:

Cut 4 (05) “..spilling south.” 

DeRidder native and insurance executive Tim Temple who helped businesses recover from the BP Oil Spill, announces his candidacy for Insurance Commissioner. Temple who garnered 47 percent of the vote in his last run for commissioner says so much has changed since the last election.

Cut 6 (12)  “…over 15 years.” 
You knew the Saints were in trouble when former LSU star Joe Burrow arrived at the Superdome yesterday wearing Ja’Marr Chase’s national championship worn jersey prior to the Bengals 30-26 win over New Orleans.. Burrow is known for his pre-game outfits and thought it was best to recognize Chase’s homecoming…

Cut 10 (11) “…people of Louisiana. 

Chase is a graduate of Rummel High Schools and grew up less than 10 miles from the dome.

Temperatures are set to drop all over the state. north Louisiana could set record lows on Wednesday morning.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

As violent crime rose across the state the rural city of Bogalusa started counting their shootings and so far, they are at 64. The most recent was outside of the high school football stadium when three people fired some 18 to 20 rounds. Before 2022, shootings were not tracked in Bogalusa and the shooting rate in rural Louisiana is about 17 per 100,000 and the urban rate is 19, per 100,000.

DeRidder native and insurance executive Tim Temple who helped businesses recover from the BP Oil Spill, announces his candidacy for Insurance Commissioner. Temple serves as Chair of the Louisiana Committee 100 for Economic Development says he will bring more than 20 years of insurance experience to the office.

Cut 7 (11) “…anymore.”

Temple who garnered 47 percent of the vote in his last run for commissioner.

Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says Mississippi-based Foundation Gaming wants to invest 200-million dollars in re-opening DiamondJacks Casino in Bossier City. Johns says Foundation Gaming has plans to completely renovate the property and re-open its doors within two years…
cut 12 (05) “…early 2024”
He says the Gaming Control Board is expected to consider the transfer of the license at its December meeting.